Tag: ideas

  • 5 Sweet Potato sides recipes to upgrade your Thanksgiving Dinner game

    Photo by Food Network

    All recipes via Food Network

    Crispy Potato Stacks

     

    Ingredients

    • Nonstick cooking spray
    • 1 pound russet potatoes
    • 1 pound sweet potatoes
    • 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
    • 1 clove garlic, grated
    • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan 

    Directions

    Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.

    Slice the russets and sweet potatoes 1/16-inch thick using a mandoline and place in a bowl. Toss the potato slices with the butter, herbs, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper until the potatoes are evenly coated. Layer the potatoes evenly in the prepared muffin tin, stacking them one on top of the other until they are about 1 inch above the top of each muffin cup. Bake until the edges of the potatoes are golden and crispy, about 25 minutes. 

    Let cool 5 minutes, then run a butter knife around the edge of each stack to help them release. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve immediately. 

    Photo by Matt Armendariz, Food Network

    Sweet Potato Poutine

    Ingredients

    • 4 large sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch French fries
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 tablespoons flour
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2 to 3 shallots, thinly sliced
    • Pinch sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 cups organic beef stock
    • Pinch fresh thyme leaves
    • Pinch brown sugar
    • Handful minced fresh parsley
    • Peanut oil or canola oil, for deep frying
    • 2 cups cheese curds*

    Directions

    Push potatoes through a French fry cutter, or hand cut so that pieces are uniform in size. Soak in ice water for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

    Heat a pan on medium, melt butter. Add the flour and whisk vigorously for about 8 minutes until the roux is amber colored. Remove the pan from the heat. 

    In another pan, saute the shallots in olive oil over medium heat for a few minutes until the edges are crisp and golden. Add the sea salt and pepper. Deglaze with organic beef stock, add thyme, brown sugar, and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the roux and let reduce on medium low for 15 minutes. Take off the heat and stir in fresh, minced parsley. 

    Heat enough peanut oil to come half-way up the side of a heavy pot to 375 degrees F, or use a deep-fryer. Strain the chilled sweet potato fries and dry them in a salad spinner.

    Using a fry basket, fry the potatoes in small batches for 5 minutes, then lay them on a wire rack, set over a paper-towel lined sheet pan to drain the excess oil. 

    Place the fries on a plate, top with the cheese curds and smother with hot gravy.

    Cook’s Note

    *May be found online or in specialty cheese stores. It is important the fries be thoroughly dried before cooking.

    Photo by Matt Armendariz, Food Network

    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

     

    Ingredients

    • 4 medium sweet potatoes
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1/3 cup brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 1/4 cup pecan halves, finely chopped

    Directions

    Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Shave a thin sliver from one side of each potato to give it a flat surface to stand on while you slice it. Make thin slices into the potato about 1/16-inch thick, stopping before you cut all the way through. (Placing a chopstick on either side of the potato while you slice it can help stop the blade before it cuts all the way through.) Put each potato on a separate sheet of foil. Shape the foil around the potatoes to wrap them, but leave the tops open and exposed. Put the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet.

    Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat, swirling occasionally, until browned and nutty, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Drizzle the butter mixture over the potatoes and pinch the foil together on top to seal the potato inside. Bake for 45 minutes, then let cool for a few moments. Remove the potatoes from the foil, put them on a serving platter and drizzle with the sauce leftover in each foil packet. Sprinkle with the pecans before serving.

    Photo by Matt Armendariz, Food Network

    Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Maple Cinnamon Sage Brown Butter

     

    Ingredients

    For the Gnocchi:

    • 2 pounds sweet potatoes
    • 2/3 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/3 cup for the work surface

    For the Maple Cinnamon Sage Brown Butter:

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
    • 20 fresh sage leaves
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    Directions

    For the Gnocchi: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

    Pierce the sweet potato with a fork. Bake the sweet potatoes until tender and fully cooked, between 40 to 55 minutes depending on size. Cool slightly. Cut in half and scoop the flesh into a large bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes and transfer to a large measuring cup to make sure the sweet potatoes measure about 2 cups. Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes back to the large bowl. Add the ricotta cheese, salt, cinnamon, and pepper and blend until well mixed. Add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time until a soft dough forms. Lightly flour a work surface and place the dough in a ball on the work surface. Divide the dough into 6 equal balls. Roll out each ball into a 1-inch wide rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Roll the gnocchi over the tines of a fork. Transfer the formed gnocchi to a large baking sheet. Continue with the remaining gnocchi.

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the gnocchi in 3 batches and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the gnocchi using a slotted spoon onto a baking sheet. Tent with foil to keep warm and continue with the remaining gnocchi.

    For the Brown Butter sauce: While the gnocchi are cooking melt the butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. When the butter has melted add the sage leaves. Continue to cook, swirling the butter occasionally, until the foam subsides and the milk solids begin to brown. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Careful, the mixture will bubble up. Gently stir the mixture. When the bubbles subside, toss the cooked gnocchi in the brown butter. Transfer the gnocchi to a serving dish and serve immediately.

    Photo by Food Network

    Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Pecan and Marshmallow Streusel

     

    Ingredients

    • 12 large sweet potatoes
    • 3/4 cup (11/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
    • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
    • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup toasted pecan pieces
    • 1 cup miniature marshmallows

    Directions

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

    Wash the sweet potatoes, scrubbing them well to remove any dirt. With a fork, prick the sweet potatoes in a couple of spots and place them on a sheet pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center goes in easily.

    In a large bowl, mix the butter, brown sugar, and flour together until it’s crumbly-looking. Add the cinnamon, salt, pecans, and marshmallows; fold the streusel topping together to combine.

    Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise down the center and push the ends towards the middle so it opens up. Stuff the sweet potatoes generously with the streusel topping and return to the oven. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and brown.

  • Refresca tu decoración con blanco y verde // Refresh your decor with white and green

    El otoño está aquí, en todas partes. Si tiene suerte de experimentar las transiciones de las temporada, puedes verlo en la naturaleza y al sentir el aire. Si vives en el trópico como yo, especialmente ahora después del huracán María, has perdido la noción del tiempo y el otoño te ha golpeado en la cara luego de entrar en una tienda. Pero, por lo que sabemos, el naranja, el marrón y el amarillo son los colores tradicionales de la temporada. Y si te pareces a mí, te guste o no, estoy aburrida de eso. Entonces, para cambiar las cosas, hay una nueva tendencia de otoño que estremecerá a los amantes de la decoración del hogar: blanco y verde. Sí … blanco y verde en sus diferentes tonos posibles.

    Este combo de color, tan fresco y simple como suena va bien con cualquier combinación de colores que ya tengas en tu hogar. Inmediatamente traerá calidez a la decoración y un toque de romanticismo vintage. ¿Cómo implementar el color blanco? Elije accesorios como calabazas blancas, flores blancas o almohadas blancas. Recuerde que deseas darle un toque, no, una temática completa, así que manténlo simple. Elije uno o dos detalles para resaltar con este tono puro. Verde, ¿dónde? Utiliza plantas. Ve a lo tradicional con ramas de pino o sauce negro. Si te sientes audaz y quieres algo diferente, usa plantas pequeñas como suculentas o aliento de bebé. Puedes incorporar los colores por separado o en conjunto para obtener una combinación poderosa y elegante.

    Photos: www.pinterest.com

    Fall is here, everywhere. If you are lucky to experience the season’s transitions, you can see it in nature and by feeling the air. If you live in the tropic like me, especially now after Hurricane Maria, you have lost track of time and get hit in the face by fall just when you enter a store. But for all we know, orange, brown and yellow are the traditional colors of the season. And if you thing like me, pretty or not, I am just bored with it. So to twist things up, there is a new fall trend that home décor lovers will flip over: white and green. Yes… white and green in their different shades possible.

    This color combo, as fresh and simple as it sounds will go well with any color combination you already have in your home. It will instantly bring warmth to the décor and a touch of vintage romanticism. How to implement white? Choose accessories like white pumpkins, white flowers, or white pillows. Remember you want to make a statement, not a hole theme, so keep it simple. Pick one or two details to exalt with this pure shade. Green, were? Use plants. Go traditional with pine or black willow branches. If you are feeling bold and want something different, use small plants like succulents or baby breath. You can incorporate the colors individually or together for a powerful and elegant combo.

  • Alternativas de regalos diferentes para Mamá

    El Día de las Madres está la vuelta de la esquina y muchos – me incluyo- todavía estamos pensando en qué le regalaremos a las Madres de nuestra lista de regalos. Nos encontramos con un dilema porque sabemos que no puede ser un regalo más, ni podemos comprar algo sólo porque es un día especial. Las madres modernas ya no quieren sartenes ni cosas para el hogar; buscan un obsequio que salga del corazón y que se puedan disfrutar ellas solas. Por esto te damos varias opciones de regalos diferentes para esta importante festividad.

     Nuestros amigos de la tienda de sombreros de lujo El Galpón ofrecen varias alternativas sobre el estilo de sombrero ideal para mamá.

    El Plenero es un modelo chic, muy de moda en todo el mundo, que se usa para ocasiones casuales. 

    La Pamela, que  en su colección se llama  Ombra, es un sombrero de ala más grande que se usa para ir a la playa o al bote. Este sombrero protege el rostro y el nacimiento.

    Para completar el look de verano tienen disponible para las mujeres también el exclusivo modelo Uneven, uno de los más solicitados. Este modelo se usa para ocasiones un poco más formales, pero permite interactuar en reuniones o cócteles al aire libre.

    Todos los modelos están disponibles en los siguientes colores: blanco, natural, ladrillo, café y Taupé. Para más información pueden acceder a Galpon.co o elgalpon.net y ver las distintas colecciones o ir a la tienda El Galpón que está localizada en la calle del Cristo #154 en el Viejo San Juan. 

    Pero si lo que quieren en sorprender a Mama con una experiencia sensorial, les recomendamos estas deliciosas recetas con Baileys mientras mamá disfruta un merecido descanso. 

    Bailey’s Waffle

    –       Crea tu mezcla de pancake o waffle preferida. 

    –       Añade a la mezcla una taza de Baileys® Original Irish Cream y una cucharada de canela en polvo. 

    –       Calienta la wafflera y vierte sobre ella tu mezcla. 

    –       Cuando los waffles estén listos, sirve sobre ellos crema batida y sprinkles. ¡Buen provecho!

    Bailey’s Brownies 

    –       Prepara tu receta de brownies favorita.

    –       Deja reposar la mezcla de brownie en el molde.

    –       En un envase añade 1 ½ taza de queso crema, ½ taza de azúcar en polvo y agita

    –       Añade a la mezcla un huevo y una onza de Baileys® Original Irish Cream y revuelve.

    –       Por último, vierte la mezcla con Baileys sobre la mezcla de bownies y crea un efecto de ondas con una espátula. 

    –       Hornea y listo. Si buscas darle ese toque extra, sirve sobre el brownie mantecado de vainilla con un poco de Baileys® Original Irish Cream como topping. 

     

  • Back to school nail art

     

    short-nail-design_21

    By: Raquel M. Ortiz

    Nails can be a trouble when is ‘Back to School’ season because sometimes we don’t have an idea of what can we do with them or in them. Here we will be giving you some simple designs that you can do on your nails to make them look presentable. These designs are unique because all your nails will be painted with the same color, leaving just 2 nails without the same color and painting lines on them.

    The designs that you can with lines are the following:

    • Straight lines
    • Wavy lines
    • Cross lines
    • Zig-zag lines

    Note: These designs can be adjusted as you desire.

  • 4 hairstyles you need to try on short hair

    Straight Hair By: Raquel M. Ortiz

    Short hair can sometimes be a problem when trying any hairstyles. We will be giving you four easy hairstyles that you try.

    Messy Ponytail

    messy ponytail

    Throw back a ponytail, then pull a few pieces of hair out to make the perfect messy ponytail.

    Half topknot

    top knot

    The topknot trend is almost impossible to achieve in short hair, so instead, try it half way. Take the top half of your hair and wrap it into a ponytail, then twist the tail to create a knot. Secure it with an elastic band.

    Short Hair Twist

    Simple-Twist-Hairstyle-for-Short-Hair1

    The short twist is perfect for curly hair. Gather two pieces of hair, one from each side of your head and twist it towards the back, then secure with bobby pin. Combine the two twist at the center with bobby pins.

    Short hair and bangs

    short with bangs

    Damp hair with sea salt spray. Once it’s dry, use a curling iron to create waves. Blow dry bangs straight for a difference in texture.

  • IDEAS DE MODA MASCULINA PARA VERANO

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    Estamos en pleno verano y con esto llega el Día de los Padres y las salidas más ocasionales. Hay opciones muy frescas y casuales para los chicos de hoy. La sencillez prima ante todo, los nuevos estilos en camisetas apuestan por crear una gran variedad y estilos para poder satisfacer todos los gustos existentes.

    El estilo ‘relajado’ vuelve con fuerza, inunda todas las prendas de esta temporada desde el entallado del jean, los ‘joggers’, la chaqueta deportiva. Para romper con la monotonía de las clásicas camisetas de rayas bicolor, se pueden encontrar maravillas donde el estilo se renueva mezclando colores, texturas y pasando de rayas simétricas a un estampados. Un regalo tan básico como un jean puede ser la idea perfecta.

    Estas piezas y otras más de la colección se pueden conseguir en shopgatsby.com, con vendedores independientes o en cualquiera de las 9 tiendas Gatsby alrededor de la Isla.

  • COLOR INSPIRATION: DUSK BLUE

    DUSK BLUE
    Por: Lourdes Nicolle Martínez y Raquel M. Ortiz

     

    PARA ÉL / FOR HIM

     

  • Transforma tu oficina en varios pasos

    escritorio

    Por: Raquel M. Ortiz Burgos

    El verano llegó y muchos tenemos que seguir trabajando aunque todos tomen vacaciones y disfruten bajo el sol. Por eso te traemos una forma de transformar tu espacio de oficina a uno moderno y chic en sólo varios pasos.

    Para este proyecto, comenzaremos con un papel tapiz con impreso de madera para la pared de fondo en la oficina. Puedes crear de la pared una mini biblioteca, dividiéndola en dos niveles de la siguiente manera: en el primer nivel coloca accesorios que hagan juego con el fondo de la pared -en madera-; en el segundo nivel puedes colocar libros y agendas, y hasta puedes poner una pintura entre éstos.

    Primer paso:

    Coloca el papel tapiz en la pared de la oficina.

    Segundo paso:

    Crea tres niveles de tablillas que se dividirán en 4 secciones diferentes.

    Tercer Paso:

    Decora la primera tablilla de la siguiente manera:

    • Personifica la decoración, por ejemplo, si deseas utilizar cuadros, escoge arte relativo al trabajo que realizas.

    Divide la segunda tablilla en cuatro secciones diferentes:

    • Aquí colocarás todos tus libros utilizando la mitad de la tablilla. En la otra mitad coloca los materiales que usarás en la oficina como libretas de trabajo.
    • En la tercera tablilla puedas poner gavetas color blanco donde guardes archivos, para que puedan combinar con la pared.

    En la última tablilla

    • Puedes seguir utilizando gavetas para guardar diferentes materiales que utilizarás en la oficina.

    Cuarto Paso:

    Ahora vamos a trabajar con el escritorio:

    Elige uno de madera completo. Lo puedes dividir de la siguiente manera: Colocas tu computadora en el lado izquierdo del escritorio. Al lado puedes colocar la agenda u otros documentos de importancia.

    En el lado derecho puedes poner los lápices mecánicos, bolígrafos y marcadores. Para darle un toque más femenino puedes poner un pequeño florero y para el toque masculino una pequeña lámpara para mejor visibilidad.

    Quinto paso:

    A la hora de escoger la silla, busca una de estilo media luna en color blanco.

    Sexto paso:

    Puedes incluir un set de sofás en estilo L de color arena para que haga combinación con la oficina.

    Séptimo paso:

    Coloca una mesa de cristal en el medio del juego de sofás para acompañarlas.

  • 3 preguntas para hacerte antes de comprar

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    A toda fashionista le encanta ir de compras. Y mientras más caro o de “más marca”  sea el producto que compramos nos sentimos mejor. Es nuestra terapia. Pero en la economía que estamos viviendo, esa terapia se ha hecho más difícil de realizar y tenemos que trabajar con presupuestos, ventas especiales y cupones. Es importante que siempre tengamos en mente que no porque esté en venta especial significa que debemos adquirirlo. Pregúntate estas 3 cosas a la hora de comprar cualquier pieza en especial:

    1. ¿La venta especial me está cegando? Mira la pieza con ojos frescos. ¿Lo desearías comprar si estuviera a precio regular?
    2. ¿Se asemeja a lo que exactamente quiero? Si sigues aceptando una versión “OK” de lo que buscas, terminarás con múltiples piezas casi perfectas y no con la perfecta. Espera a que llegue la correcta y luego compra un “backup”.
    3. ¿Hace sentido en mi estilo de vida? Muchas veces uno compra cosas que no van con nuestro estilo de vida, pensando que algún día se usarán. Pero ese momento nunca llega y terminamos botando nuestro dinero.

    ¿Estás “ready” para ir de compras?

    ****

    Every fashionista loves going shopping. And the more expensive or “most brand” the product is, we buy it and feel better. It is our therapy. But in the economy we are experiencing today, this therapy has become more difficult and we have to work with budgets, sales and coupons. It is important to always keep in mind that not because is on sale means that we have to acquire it. Ask yourself these 3 things when buying any piece in particular:

    1. Is the sale is blinding me? Look at the piece with fresh eyes. Would you buy it if it was full price?
    2. Is it almost exaclty what I want? If you’re still accepting an OK what you want, you will end up with multiple versions of almost perfect pieces and not the perfect one. Wait for the right one and then buy a backup.
    3. Does it makes sense with my lifestyle? Sometimes you buy things that do not go with your lifestyle, thinking that someday it will be used. But that moment never comes and you end up throwing money away.

    Are you ready to go shopping?

  • Moda Masculina con José Raúl – Vestimenta para despedida de año

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    En el segmento de hoy, el diseñador José Raúl da consejos a caballeros sobre cómo seleccionar la vestimenta para despedida de año.

    Recuerden que si tienen preguntas o comentarios respecto a esta cápsula o referente a la moda masculina, nos pueden escribir a info@old.traffic-chic.com.

    ****

    In today’s segment, designer José Raúl gives men advise on how to choose the new year’s eve outfit.

    Remember that if you have questions or comments regarding this capsule or regarding men fashion, you can write to us at info@old.traffic-chic.com.

  • Conoce 2 formas de llevar el cuello diamante esta Navidad

    En esta temporada navideña estamos viendo en las tiendas muchas piezas con el cuello diamante. Aquí te mostramos cómo puedes combinar un traje y una blusa con cuello diamante para ir a tus fiestas de navidad.

    ****

    This christmas season we are seeing in stores a lot of diamond collar pieces. Here we show you how you can combine a dress and a blouse with diamond collar to go to your christmas parties.

    DIAMOND COLLAR 1 DIAMOND COLLAR 2

    photos by topshop.com

     

  • BEACH HAIRSTYLES IDEAS

    Photos by www.pinterest.com

  • ONE PIECE, TWO WAYS: CROP TOP

    ONEPIECETWOWAYS CROP 2

    Sácale provecho a tus piezas. Si tienes un “crop top” y no sabes de qué maneras usarlo, te damos unas ideas. Llévalo casual como en la foto de arriba añadiendo unos pantalones mahones cortos en color blanco. Utiliza zapatos cómodos como este en color crema que al tener un corte masculino balancea el “look”. Añade un “cross-body bag” en combinación con los zapatos y un collar largo y sencillo en color oro.

    ****

    Make the most out of your pieces. If you have a crop top and don’t know how to wear it, we will give you a few ideas. Use it casual like in the picture above by adding white short jeans. Use a comfortable shoe like this one in a cream tone that has a masculine cut to balance the look. Add a cross-body bag that combines with the shoes and a long and simple gold necklace.

    Photos: crop top by Topshop; shorts and shoes by Zara; necklace and bag by Aldo Shoes.

    ONEPIECETWOWAYS CROP 1

    Si quieres llevar el “crop top” de una manera más elegante, llévalo con una falda a la cintura tipo mini en color rojo. Utiliza sandalias con tacón alto tipo “strap” como éstas en color gris. Completa el “look” con una cartera de sobre que mezcle metálicos con textiles y colores y unas pantallas color oro grandes y colgantes.

    ****

    If you want to wear the crop top in a more elegant way, add to it a red midi skirt that starts at the waist. Use a strap high heel sandal  in a gray shade. Complete the look with a clutch that mixes metallics with textiles and colors and a set of big gold earrings.

    Photo: crop top by Topshop; skirt and shoes by Zara; bag and earring by Aldo Shoes.

  • Picnic Menu

     

    Pretzel-Crusted-Fried-Chicken-0510-recipe-bFKqLq-xl

    1. Pretzel-Crusted “Fried” Chicken

    Ingredients

    1 whole(s) (3-pound) chicken

    1 pound(s) unsalted fat-free sourdough pretzels

    2 tablespoon(s) paprika

    Salt

    Freshly ground pepper

    1 cup(s) low-fat buttermilk

    2 egg whites

    2 tablespoon(s) Dijon mustard

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut chicken into 10 pieces: 2 drumsticks, 2 thighs, 2 wings, and 2 breasts (cut in half to yield 4 pieces). Remove skin and trim any fat. Set chicken aside.
    2. Place pretzels in a heavy-duty, resealable plastic bag and crush into coarse crumbs. Mix in paprika, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons pepper. Divide pretzel crumbs between 2 shallow dishes.
    3. In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg whites, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Working with 1 piece at a time, dredge chicken in pretzel crumbs from first dish, then dip into buttermilk mixture, shaking off excess. Coat thoroughly with crumbs from second dish.

    Place on parchment-lined baking pan and bake until chicken crust is crispy and an instant- read thermometer inserted into meat registers 165 degrees F, 40 to 50 minutes depending on piece.

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    2.  Avocado and Ham Sandwiches

    Ingredients

    2 loaf(s) (about 18 inches each) ficelle

    1/4 cup(s) butter, softened

    2 tablespoon(s) Dijon mustard

    1/8 teaspoon(s) coarse black pepper

    3/4 pound(s) Virginia ham, sliced

    3 large avocados, peeled and sliced

    Directions

    1. Cut each ficelle loaf into 3 equal pieces, and split each horizontally along one side, leaving the other side intact. Open the pieces so they lie flat.
    2. Stir the butter, mustard, and pepper together until smooth, and spread on both sides of the bread. Layer with the ham and avocado, and sprinkle with the sea salt.

    Wrap the sandwiches with parchment, and tie with a string to secure. Keep chilled and serve within 3 hours.

    strawberry-hand-pies-recipe-clv0712-GrpMvX-SosOfs-xl

    3. Strawberry Hand Pies

    Ingredients

    2 1/3 cup(s) (plus more for dusting) all-purpose flour

    1 teaspoon(s) baking powder

    1 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt

    1 stick(s) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

    2 large egg yolks

    1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract

    3/4 pound(s) strawberries, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

    1/2 cup(s) confectioners’ sugar

    3 tablespoon(s) strawberry jam

    1 tablespoon(s) sanding sugar

    Directions

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine 2 1/4 cups flour, baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives, cut butter into flour mixture until mixture resembles coarse sand. Add 1 egg yolk, 1/2 cup chilled water, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and mix until just combined. (If dough is dry or crumbly and doesn’t stay together, add up to 3 tablespoons more chilled water.) Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface and knead 2 to 3 times, just until dough comes together. Return dough to bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled, about 15 minutes.
    2. Meanwhile, make filling: In a medium bowl, combine strawberries, confectioners’ sugar, and jam, plus remaining flour, vanilla, and salt. Set aside.
    3. In a small bowl, beat remaining yolk and 1 tablespoon water for egg wash; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Using a 3-inch round cookie cutter, cut dough into 6 rounds.
    4. Roll 1 round into a 6-inch circle. Spoon a heaping 2 tablespoons filling onto half of circle, leaving 1/2-inch border. Brush the edges with egg wash, then fold dough over filling. Using a fork, crimp the edges to seal hand pie. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking pan. Repeat with remaining dough rounds and filling.

    Using a toothpick, poke a few holes in the top of each pie. Brush with remaining egg wash and sprinkle each pie with 1/2 teaspoon sanding sugar. Bake until golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

     

    pineapple-cooler-FARMF0507-de

    4. Pineapple Cooler

    Ingredients

    1 large (about 4 pounds) fresh pineapple

    1 1/4 cup(s) sugar

    11 sprig(s) fresh lavender, rosemary, or lemon verbena

    1/4 cup(s) fresh lemon juice

    Directions

    1. Cut the peel from the pineapple, remove the core, and cut the fruit into 1-inch pieces.
    2. Place the fruit in a food processor fitted with a metal blade and pulse until the pineapple is crushed but not pureed. Transfer to a large nonreactive pot, add the sugar, 4 cups water, and 3 herb sprigs.
    3. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.

    Gently press the solids to extract the juice. Cool and stir in the lemon juice. Serve over ice garnished with the remaining herb sprigs.

    Recipes and pictures by www.contryliving.com

  • Picnic Essentials

    Llegó el calor y con él las ganas de hacer actividades al aire libre. Siempre buscamos algo diferente que hacer, sea con nuestra pareja, amistades y familiares. Una buena idea es un picnic. Puedes escoger un parque o la playa y preparar un menú ligero que se coma fácil y complemente el paisaje. Pero hay cosas que NO te deben faltar y que te ayudarán a hacer de la salida un día memorable. Abajo te muesto 4 cosas que no te pueden faltar en tu picnic.

    ****

    The heat arrived and with him our desire to do outdoor activities. We always are looking for something different to do with our partner, friends and family. One good idea is a picnic. You can choose a park or the beach and prepare a light menu that is easy to eat and compliments the view. But there are things that cannot miss your picnic and that will help you make of the day a memorable one. Below I show you 4 items that  cannot be missing at your picnic.

     

    picnicPhotos by www.macys.com

  • MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND OUTFIT IDEAS

    MEMORIAL DAY 4 MEMORIAL DAY 3 MEMORIAL DAY 2 MEMORIAL DAY 1

    Photos by www.topshop.com ; www.sunglasshut.com

  • Graduation Makeup Ideas

    grad makeup

    Photos by www.pinterest.com

  • Mother’s Day Gift Guide to her Heart

    Sin nuestra madre no estaríamos aquí. Nos ama, nos forma y nos brinda amor incondicional. El domingo será su día, aunque todos los días tenemos que expresarle cuánto la amamos y significa para nosotros. Pero procura que este domingo sea uno especial y memorable. Regálale cosas que ella pueda disfrutar como una comida hecha por tí, un buen masaje de cuerpo completo, una buena cartera, un “scrapbook” con sus mejores momentos y mucho tiempo de calidad.

    ****

    Without our mother we would not be here. She loves us, forms us and gives us unconditional love. This Sunday will be her day, even though everyday we have to express her how much we love her and she means to us. But be sure to make of this Sunday a special and memorable one. Give her something she can enjoy like food cooked by yourself, a good full body massage, a great handbag, a scrapbook with your best moments and a lot of quality time.

    MOTHERS DAY GIFT GUIDE 2014

    Photos by www.google.com/images

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